Tuesday, July 25

Quick post (in the office in Boston): Weight 116.5, calories 1669, whi*****luded some breads which of course have 0 nutritional value. Correction time today!

I am finding it somewhat freeing to be public on retirement - I can really speak my mind about things that I think are problems!

209.2 Grrrr! My fault, no money, running low on supplies, snacked on Honey Nut Cheerios, which are so not worth it! New day, will boil some eggs so I will have hard boiled eggs for a quick, cheap snack.

Hi all!

I feel like I am getting my head above water and all is settling into place. Ella had a bit of a time the first few days post partum - placentas rotting in her uterus, 104.8 fever, trip to the ER, antibiotics, no appetite, and then a brand new one for me...galactostatis - blocked milk ducts.... create an awful situation, but easily solved through continued nursing... Scared the crap out of me to find huge, I'm talking finger and palm sized, masses in her mammary area! Yikes! Yesterday was her first day back to what I would call normal. Was so wonderful to see her smile again. It's been a hard 3 weeks for her. She loves her babies, though.

Blue had her little singleton yesterday via c-section. We have another baby girl, so the dozen pups are equally divided: 6 boys, 6 girls.

My weight has dropped a pound or two through all this. Isn't that divine and a different turn? Let's hope it keeps going. Honestly, I have not eaten well, just not much. I have some beautiful peaches and strawberries to eat and boy are they calling me today. YUM! Have to get some yogurt started, too. I've been eating store bought for about a week. I like the consistency of the Fage better than my homemade, but my homemade has a much smoother taste, which I much prefer.

Good to check back in.

Paula, fingers crossed that your insurance pulls its head out of its ass and approves your appeal.

Lordy Devon you have become a dog obstetrician. So many puppies she was bound to retain some placentas. I once had a friend with 9 bloodhound puppies and there was mastitis so they had to hand feed those puppies day and night for a number of days. Glad its resolved and the fun puppy stage will soon be here (5 weeks is my fave). Tee tee, dogs do indeed smile. How are the Franchise doing?

Diane S

stupid auto correct. I meant Frenchies , not franchise/ D

When I felt those masses my heart sank. I was certain during pregnancy she had a hormonal surge that triggered mammary cancer. Boy, did I have a few nervous hours! I got home yesterday from Blue's C-section and there was MY Ella at the door. It was a joy to see her back to her old self.

Um...you should have seen me get the last pup out! That's was doggie doula in action! LOL!

I have to be honest, having puppies may be work, but it is one of my great joys in life. These little miracles make my heart soar!

New life of any type can make ones heart soar! A lot of work for you but what wonderful rewards.

New life! Here we're waiting for the baby wrens to hatch. When I peer in the nest, Mama looks at me now. She seems accustomed to my welfare checks. I think. I hope. But I'll never be a bird doula. ;)

For a few moments I thought YOU were the one with galactostatis and your posting became even more interesting than usual! Ok, it is Ella, that makes more sense. I'm sorry she has had such a rough go of it, poor girl. I'm glad that Blue seems willing to help out, too, as long as it doesn't mess with Ella's galactostatis therapy.

How amazing is it that your weight has dropped a pound or two. Linda, are you out there? Devon's weight has dropped with puppies!!!!

Enjoy this crazy time.....just amazing how many puppies you have in that one house.

17 PUPPIES! Lord, it's going to be wild in a few weeks!